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Is it the hype behind the film, the plot, the actors/directors/products, or a combination of all three?

More factors than those, certainly, and there has to be a combination of factors. Everybody can point out a rotten movie with great production values, one with (otherwise) great actors/directors/producers etc.

Great movies have to be great on any number of counts. Bad movies only need to fail in one spot.

In your opinions, what does it take a from movie really good to fantastic? Is it the hype behind the film, the plot, the actors/directors/products, or a combination of all three?

The hype has nothing to do with it. The plot, actors, and directors most certainly do. The most imporant factor, and often the most overlooked, is the writing.

Goodfellas, imo, is one of the best films of all time. Scorsese is a complete master of detail. Take for example the "Cocabana" shot where the camera is following Henry and Karen through the kitchen of a nightclub with busboys, waiters and cooks all getting in the way. The music is perfectly cued and not too loud that you can't hear what they're saying. The scene flows so naturally...it's just insane. And Lorraine Braco and Ray Liotta are such great actors that the scene looks like it's something from real life. I can't believe it only took them 8 takes to get this done.

A movie is great if it makes you feel something. It doesent matter what. You might cry at the end, get mad, jump out of your seat during an action scene, hide your face behind your hands during a horror flick. Any emotion at all besides boredom.

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